Ten BUFFs deployed
November 13, 2024
With tensions rising in the Middle East, as a result of the stand-off between Israel and Iran, the US Air Force has deployed six B-52H Stratofortresses to what it coyly referred to as the US Central Command area of responsibility. Four more have deployed to RAF Fairford in the UK.
This means that ten of the USAF’s fleet of 76 surviving B-52H Stratofortress bombers are currently deployed across Europe and the Middle East, representing nearly 15 percent of the entire force. But many of the aircraft are dedicated to testing duties, while others are undergoing periodic depot maintenance or upgrade, and the fleet enjoys only a 54% mission capable rate, so ten aircraft actually represents more like a third of the available frontline force.
Six bombers from the 5th Bomb Wing, based at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, deployed to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in pairs, arriving on 2, 3 and 4 November, having ferried to the Centcom (Central Command) area of responsibility using the callsigns ‘LIVID 11 and 12’, ‘BARF 21 and 22’ and ‘LONE 31 and 32’, respectively.
Four B-52 Stratofortresses from the 2nd Bomb Wing, based at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, deployed to Royal Air Force Fairford, England on 8 November 2024, for Bomber Task Force 25-1, forming the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron.
Before landing at RAF Fairford, the aircrew B-52s exercised with Finnish F/A-18 Hornets and Swedish JAS 39 Gripens.
Bomber Task Force deployments allow USAFE-AFAFRICA to practise dynamic force employment in the European theatre and beyond, providing strategic predictability and assurance for Allies and partners while contributing to deterrence by introducing greater operational unpredictability for potential adversaries.
General James Hecker, the commander of US Air Forces in Europe – Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) said that: “This Bomber Task Force mission exemplifies our unwavering commitment to our European Allies and partners. Together, we build stronger, more strategic relationships that reinforce security and stability across the region. Through these missions, we not only demonstrate the global reach of our bomber forces, but also the strength of our collective partnerships in Europe, ensuring we remain agile and ready to address any challenge. Our ability to work side-by-side with Allies is a key advantage, sending a message of assurance to our friends while also deterring potential aggressive actions by strategic competitors.”
